Bad Brains Guitarist Dr. Know on Life Support

Though nothing has been confirmed via official channels, reports have surfaced that iconic Bad Brains guitarist Dr. Know is currently in a hospital on life support. The reasons for this remain unclear.

Word of the alleged hospitalization was delivered through the Dean Ween Group Facebook page yesterday (November 2), with Deen Ween (a.k.a. Michael "Mickey" Melchiondo Jr.) noting that he'd "just got word" that Dr. Know (a.k.a. Gary Miller) "is on life support in the hospital."

No other details were given beyond that, but Melchiondo continued: "pray for him, or at least smoke a huge spliff and keep him in your thoughts. one of my fave guitarists of the era — and always."

UPDATE (11/03, 4 p.m.): The band has now confirmed the sad news and shared the following message on Facebook: "The Bad Brains family ask that you please keep Gary (Dr. Know) Miller in your thoughts and prayers The family respectfully ask that their privacy be honored during this time and very much appreciate all the great energy that is being sent their way."

UPDATE 2 (11/04, 2:20 p.m.): The Cro-Mags' singer John Joseph, who also worked as a Bad Brains roadie and occasional vocalist, has offered an update on Miller's status, taking to Facebook to say that the guitarist's condition seemed to be improving. His post reads: "I have not responded to people asking of Bad Brains guitarist Dr. Know's (Gary's) condition because it's not my place. The family needs to make those calls of who should be informed. That being said after seeing Doc in the hospital today I will say this.... he's improving and he feels all the love, prayers and PMA you've been sending worldwide and so does his family who are all very grateful. Keep them prayers coming for one of the nicest people, greatest and humblest musicians to ever walk the earth and also be a big brother to so many."

UPDATE 3 (11/10, 2:15 p.m.): Bad Brains have now issued the following update about the improving condition of Dr. Know: "The family of Gary (Dr. Know) Miller and the entire Bad Brains family would like to thank everyone for their well wishes. We are happy to say that Dr. Know's condition is no longer considered critical. He still remains under close care and watch of doctors at this time so please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers. We continue to ask that you honor our privacy during this time."

A number of other musicians and friends have begun to show their support for the 57-year-old hardcore trailblazer. This includes Mountain Goats' John Darnielle, Living Colour, Agnostic Front, Lagwagon and NYHC photographer/actress Brooke Smith.

Dr Know is one of the most important players of heavy music ever. Love and gratitude and healing thoughts to him https://t.co/0XMxVLdp5T

Miller helped found Bad Brains in 1978 and is one of two members (the other being bassist Darryl Jenifer), to perform with the band throughout their entire career. They last issued Into the Future in 2012.